Regulator for feed-boxes



J. S. MILLS.

XES. Patented June 9,1891.

{ll i l ll uu UNrTEn STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOSEPH S. MILLS, OF UNION, ILLINOIS.

REGULATOR FOR FEED-BOXES.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 453,817, dated June 9,1891. Application filed January 29, 1891. Serial No. 379,514. (Nomodel.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, J OSEPH. S. MILLs, a citihorse can press in on thefront, which will allow the feed to descend.

The further object of this invention is to construct a grain-scoop whichwill also act as a cover for the feed-regulator, and its form is such asto prevent it from descending too far into the regulator.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is an isometrical representationof a feed-regulator embodying the features of my invention in which thescoop is discharging the grain into the regulator. Fig. 2 is anisoinetrical representation of the regulator having its upper end closedby the scoop. Fig. 3 is avertical central section through the regulatorin its closed position. Fig. 4. is a transverse section through theregulator, showing the rigid sides and flexible front.

The feed-regulator represented in the drawings consists of a back 1, oflarger dimensions than the main portion of the regulator. To this backis secured sides 2 by rivets passing through the flange 3 of the sidesand through the back. These sides 2 are wider at their upper ends 4 thanat their lower ends 5, for a purpose to appear hereinafter. A front 6 isconnected to the sides 2 in any suitable manner and is of lightermaterial than the sides. A band of iron 7 is riveted to the front andupper ends of the sides, which serves to stiffen the structure.

A grain-regulator constructed as herein described is placed in anordinary grain-box 8, found in all mangers, and as the back extendsbelow the bottom of the front of the regulator a space will be formedbetween the regulator and bottom of the feed-box. Grain is placed in theregulator, and, owing to the contracted opening at its lower end, onlyasmall quantity of grain at a time will be at the dis posal of the horse,and he will not be able to waste his grain by taking more than he canmanage at one time, and he will not have a chance to throw the grainover the sides of the grain-box.

Horsemen often desire to feed ground feed with whole grain to thehorses, and in practice it has been found that when a rigid front to theregulator has been employed such feed will clog in the regulator, and Ihave found in practice that if the front of the regulator be madeyielding the horse will press in the front, thereby crowding the feedupward in the regulator, and when the front is allowed to assume itsoriginal position the feed will readily descend within reach of thehorse, and a horse will continue to press in the front so long as thefeed descends to reward his efforts, and I find the best construction isto make its sides of heavier material than the front, so that theyielding will all be in the front, and the band 7 will hold the upperends of the sides and front in proper form.

It is absolutely necessary that a cover be provided for the upper end ofthe regulator, for if an open-ended regulator be employed chaff, hay,and straw will find its way into the regulator and completely clog thedescent of the grain. I have therefore constructed a scoop of such formas will fit within the open end of the regulator, and consists of abottom 9, end 10, and sides 11. The sides are cut on an angle to fit theinside of the regulator, and a handle 12 is secured to the end 10. Thisscoop is employed to fill the regulator with grain or ground feed, andwhen not in use is placed within the regulator, so that the end forms acover, as shown at Figs. 2 and 3, which also prevents the horse eatingout of the top of the regulator. By this arrangement a scoop is alwaysat hand and holds the proper quantity for an ordinary feed.

I claim as my invention- 1. A feed-regulator for horse feed-boxes,consisting of areceptacle having a contracted lower end, a flexiblefront, and rigid sides, scoop being such as to limit the distance itsaid front portion secured at its edges to the may extend into thefeed-receptacle. s1 es.

2. A feed-regulator for horse feed-boxes, JOSEPH S. MILLS. 5 consistingof a receptacle havinga contracted Witnesses:

lower end, a scoop tapering to the forward A. O. BEHEL, end, the heightand taper of the sides of said L. L. MILLER.

